The Colts fell to the Jaguars 21-31 on Sunday and the overarching theme from the loss was growing pains. The Colts went into this game as 4.5-point underdogs, but with the excitement surrounding the team and the season, there is always a glimmer of hope that the improbable can be made possible.

On Sunday, the improbable came to pass, but there were several bright spots that could propel this team moving forward. Unfortunately, there were also some low spots that the Colts need to work on.

Shane Steichen’s Aggressive Play Calls

The Colts went for it off fourth down five times in this game, 2 of which were on their last drive. In those five attempts, they only converted once. Throughout this game, the defense played well enough to where it seemed almost irresponsible to put that much pressure on a rookie QB in his debut. Nonetheless, when the Colts were towards the middle of the field and it was 3rd & 4 (or less), Steichen gave Richardson the green light.

Hindsight is always 20/20, but there was one instance in particular where Steichen got too aggressive with a fourth-down call.

About mid-way through the second quarter, the Colts received the ball at mid-field with the game tied at 7-7. Having just turned the ball over on downs in the previous drive and subsequently squandering a field goal opportunity, the Colts decided to go for it again at the Jacksonville 42-yard line. On 4th & 4, Steichen called a quick screen pass that ended up getting batted down. Even if the pass had not been batted, the throw would not have been completed as the receiver was well covered. Instead of pinning the Jaguars deep into their own end, the Jaguars got good field position and marched down the field to go up by a touchdown.

This is not to say that Steichen blew this game by being too aggressive. If anything, being aggressive is what players want from their coach. It helps instill trust that they can get the job done under extreme pressure. Unfortunately, the Colts just did not execute. However, with it being game 1, the inexperience on offense, and the defense playing so well, being that aggressive just wasn’t necessary.

Richardson’s Inability to Slide

The stat line will indicate that Richardson was sacked four times. However, on several of those sacks, it was Richardson who inadvertently ran out of bounds for a loss. The issue that became apparent was when he would run up the field and put his shoulder down to take a hit. On two occasions, Richardson came up slowly or limping after a scramble.

In his post-game press conference, Richardson stated that he is fine and is looking forward to next week. While he is a fast 250-pound quarterback, he is not immortal and will need to learn to slide when a big hit is impending. Not to bring up old wounds, but that was an issue for Andrew Luck in the years that he played. There were many instances where he took unnecessary hits and those hits will begin to take a toll. If the Colts want Anthony Richardson to sustain the amount of talent that he has already shown, he will have to be smart when running the football and keep himself safe and healthy.

The Intensity of the Defense

Probably one of the biggest surprises of the game was the defense. There was a lot of concern surrounding the young and inexperienced corners and it showed a bit in the first half. In the second half, however, the defensive line and linebackers really shut down the run game and the lanes for Trevor Lawrence to throw.

To key figures in this defense that made a mark were DT DeForest Buckner and LB Zaire Franklin. With Buckner was holding running backs in check, got a strip sack-fumble, and a touchdown. With Franklin in the middle, it felt like he was involved on almost every play, whether it was stopping runners in the open field, making plays on quick screens, or just being in coverage. Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley deserves a lot of praise for his coaching performance on Sunday. Although the game score will show 31 points allowed, this defense played great and kept the offense in the game.

The Lack of a Running Game

One of the most glooming spots in the Colts opener was the lack of a running game. The Colts had a grand total of 65 rushing yards on 26 attempts (2.5 yards per attempt). For a team starting a rookie quarterback with very limited college experience, the running game has to be a top priority. unfortunately, the Colts could not get anything going on the ground, which forced many 3rd & long situations.

For any rookie quarterback in a debut, if the running game is not producing, winning the game is very unlikely. Anthony Richardson is not ready to carry this team on his back yet. He needs a supporting cast and one of the most vital supporting cast (the running backs) did not produce. It is not good when the quarterback ends up being the leading rusher with only 40 yards.

The Lack of a Deep Threat at WR

There have been several reports that when the Colts gave Jonathan Taylor permission to seek a trade, they were seeking a package that would include a wide receiver. If the reports are true, it clearly indicates that the Colts understand that there is a hole at wide receiver. Michael Pittman Jr. will continue to be a good receiver for Richardson to rely on, but he is not a real deep threat and that is huge aspect that is missing. Considering the fact that Richardson has such a canon of an arm, it would be a shame not to get him someone that can burn defenders down the field.

Many believed that Alec Pierce could be a solid deep threat when drafted in the 2nd round last year, but he has struggled in preseason and was a non-factor on Sunday. He finished the day with 1 catch on 3 targets for 5 yards.

Having a deep threat is an aspect that any contender wants on their offense. The Colts don’t currently have that and it still remains to be seen if they will ever get it.

Bottom Line

Anthony Richardson finished the day 24/37 for 223, 2 total TDs, 1 costly INT, and a 79.0 RTG. The opportunities were there to be made, but the Colts offense could not take advantage. There were moments when the defense could have made a key stop, but ultimately the better team prevailed. There is a lot to improve on, but still a lot to be excited about moving forward.

The Colts will play the Houston Texans on the road next week.